Get more stories delivered right to your email. Drivers tell us that will result in more racers turning to the streets. The Wild Horse Pass Development Authority just made the announcement, saying a new overpass for the I-10 extension will replace the track. This selection, combined with the input from the public hearing and associated public comment period, will be documented in the Final EA and DCR documents which will be published on this website once complete. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Apr 2, 2022 A drag racing tradition in Chandlers Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park that dates back to the 1980s is set to come to an end. Plan a photographic getaway today! Refer to the 2023 NHRA Rulebook for complete tech requirements and competition rules. "Honestly, we're probably going to move after the track leaves. Tucson Dragway has been rumored as another venue. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. After 40 years of service with the NHRA, the track will say goodbye with next years event. properties. Many were shocked when back on March 25 NHRA dropped the bomb that Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park is set to close down for good next year. Federal laws protect these wild horses. Mar 26, 2022 NHRA/National Dragster The NHRA is saying farewell to Phoenix in 2023. The NHRA is saying farewell to Phoenix in 2023. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. In collaboration with the Gila River Indian Community, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), ADOT has prepared an environmental study under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and engineering study to evaluate improvements to I-10. Unless you know where to look, your mustang-viewing adventure could turn up fruitless. All Rights Reserved. Over the last decade, ADOT has been expanding the capacity of I-10 between Phoenix and Tucson in segments. Simply hike into Willis Creek Narrows, a southern Utah slot canyon, for easy, scenic adventures of less than 5-miles (round trip) and many creek crossings. We have taken numerous steps for added cleaning, sanitation, and physical distancing. WebArizonas Wild Horse Pass To Close In 2023, Become Highway Overpass By Andrew Wolf March 27, 2022 Little more than a year ago, information came to light regarding proposed redevelopment plans by the The Wild Horse Pass Development Authority (WHGPDA) for WebAuto Club Raceway at Pomona [ Close Window]Close Window] The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. RELATED STORY - HOUSTON RACEWAY PARK CLOSING AFTER 2022 NHRA EVENT, WILD HORSE BECOMES THIRD NHRA NATIONAL EVENT TRACK CLOSING SINCE 2021. The master plan showed a blueprint to develop the area where the drag race track and Firebird Lake is now, with additional hotels, corporate offices, mixed-use commercial buildings and new restaurants. In collaboration with the Gila River Indian Community, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Maricopa Association of Governments, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), has prepared a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) and draft Design Concept Report (DCR) for the Interstate 10 (I-10) Study: Loop 202 to State Route 387 (SR 387). In addition to the no-build alternative, two build alternatives are being considered for I-10 through this 26mile segment. Right now, theres no official plan to open a comparable motorsports park in the Phoenix area. The tracks and other facilities in the park are doomed thanks to an expansion project for Interstate 10 in NHRAs Jeffrey Young responded to rumors which suggested that Wild Horse Motorsports Park, located outside of Phoenix, was going away as a drag racing venue. Drivers tell us that will result in more racers turning to the streets. If I were to try listing off all the tracks which have been shut down to make way for new developments, Id definitely miss at least a few, there are so many. Following our public hearings and comment period, the study team will review and evaluate all input from the Gila River Indian Community, partner agencies and the public, and select a final alternative. In the summer of 2019, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and partner agencies took the essential first step toward studying ways to increase the capacity of a 26mile section of Interstate 10 (I-10) south of the Phoenix metropolitan area. We know this final race will be a celebration that NHRA fans are famous for.. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy. The study would conclude with a selected alternative and an associated cost estimate to design and construct it, should a build alternative be selected. The NHRA Arizona Nationals have provided NHRA fans countless memories for many years, and our race teams, partners, and NHRA officials look forward to celebrating the track in 2023 as we close out this chapter in NHRA history, NHRA President Glen Cromwell said in a statement on Friday. In coordination with the Gila River Indian Community, ADOT is committed to identifying and pursuing all possible funding options for improving this section of I-10, including federal funding options. Locally, the route also serves the Gila River Indian Community by providing key connections to employment, medical, educational and other necessary services both within and outside of the Community. "I think a lot of young people are going to inevitably go to the street. Firebird Lake hosts drag boat races on an annual basis. Arizonas stop in the NHRA schedule was moved to its current February slot in 1990. Food and beer vendors will be on site. This family friendly event is filled with nonstop excitement. We have racing on the drag strip and hot lap drifting. Find a guide to take you canyoneering in Utah. 01 GeNeral. Utah offers all kinds of adventurous day trips for visitors start planning your getaway today. By Engine Builder. That all changed when Wild Horse Pass suddenly let the cat out of the bag, announcing the facilities would be closing within a year. A public meeting summary report is available on the Study Resources page. Adding a new general purpose lane in the median in both the east- and westbound directions for the entire 26-mile corridor. Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Gulch slot canyons in the Dry Fork area of Escalante Utah offer backpacking hikers scenic views without special gear or know-how. The Wild Horse Pass Development Authority announced March 25 the former Firebird International Raceway would hold its final National Hot Rod Association race (NHRA) next February at the 440-acre complex that includes a drag strip, road course and 2.4-mile oval motorboat racing lake. Bring your car or truck down! Man who lost wife, son in Texas mass shooting tells story, Trump accuser defends rape claim after judge denies mistrial, Michael J. What drives the closure of so many tracks and motorsports parks usually comes down to one thing: money. Copyright 2023 AZ Big Media | All Rights Reserved | Site by Blufish, Heres how the Joy Bus helps home-bound cancer patients, How Small Business Boot Camp boosts Arizonas small business community, Heres where ASU, UArizona rank among universities granted patentsin 2022, 15 must-see places for an Arizona road trip. Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park hosted a round in the inaugural season of Nitro Rallycross, a rallycross series, on its off road course last year. In this part of Utah, you can almost forget that 1.5 million people live in the valley just west of the mountains. "It's going to promote street activities that I think are dangerous," says another driver. There is no word on whether the additional development is part of the reason, along with future work on Interstate 10, to discontinue the Arizona Nationals at the Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park. These magnificent animals are so beautiful that you'll want to spend as much time observing them as possible. NHRA has featured an ET drag racing series since the mid-1970s. That leaves the 26 miles of I-10 across the Gila River Indian Community as the only remaining stretch with two lanes in each direction. The Wild Horse Park Development Authority says this is due to planned work on Interstate 10 near the area. We regularly host test days, practice sessions, club days, races, product launches, corporate events and Our car experts choose every product we feature. I'll just go back to the Midwest where I know there's lots of racetracks; I can maintain that family event," says another driver. Will select a preferred alternative based on technical analysis and agency and public feedback received. For nearly 40 years, the NHRA, in conjunction with From that first year until 1989, the event took place in October and was known as the Fallnationals. Call the bilingual study line: 602-522-7777, Email: i10wildhorsepasscorridor@hdrinc.com, USPS Mail:I-10 Wild Horse Pass Corridor Study Team c/o HDR, Inc.20 E. Thomas Road, Suite 2500Phoenix, AZ 85012, Enter an email or phone above if you'd like to be contacted, began on October 21 and ended December 4, 2020. The 2023 race date has yet to be released. Next Group, You dont have to be Spider-Man to explore some of the best slot canyons Utah has to offer. Whether you come to watch and relax or try out your skills, this is the event for you. It is said that Utah has the largest concentration of slot canyons in the world, and many of them are easily accessible. Mind you, theres already a casino and mall just down the road, not to mention restaurants and retail on the other side of I-10. Mike Pryson covered auto racing for the Jackson (Mich.) Citizen Patriot and MLive Media Group from 1991 until joining Autoweek in 2011. Arizonans use this route to commute to and from Phoenix daily from rural communities. Apparently, beyond 2023 is another story. ADOT held a virtual public meeting on November 18, 2020. The only other racetrack in Arizona is in Tucson. I mean, with production vehicles continuing to get faster and faster. Schumacher has five career victories at the facility. How a series of hiking and camping trips in Utahs parks and wilderness put Elisabeth Brentano on a transformative journey from urbanite to nature lover. Want to visit the awesome Antelope Canyon? The Wild Horse Park Development Authority says this is due to planned work on Interstate 10 near the area. we have been awarded the Healthy Verify Certification for our A massive tectonic cave system located just 15 miles outside of St. George makes Bloomington Cave bucket list worthy. One of only two racetracks left in Arizona, is set to close. CHANDLER One of only two racetracks left in Arizona, is set to close. It is important to note that the completion of this engineering and environmental study is required for any improvements to be eligible for federal funding. Installing freeway management technology to allow for the installation of sensors, cameras, variable message signs and other highway safety-related technology. We may earn money from the links on this page. Just over a year ago, there was a proposed plan to redevelop the increasingly valuable land Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park now occupies. Why a Hawaii-based highliner and influencer hasn't returned to Utah yet. per adult. 0:29 This weekend, a long-standing tradition of speed and prestige will come to an end. Since I live in the area and frequent there, this literally hits close to home for me. The public hearings were held on the following dates: The formal public comment period was open from Aug. 19 through Oct. 9, 2022. Along the 25 miles between this turnoff and Simpson Springs, you'll likely encounter the herd. WebIn March 2022, it was announced that Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park would close in February 2023, after NHRA Arizona Nationals, due to the widening of Interstate 10. We have taken numerous steps for added cleaning, sanitation, and physical distancing. Yet everyone cares about illegal street racing, which seem to be growing in popularity once more, and understandably so since its incredibly dangerous. The NHRA Arizona Nationals have provided NHRA fans countless memories for many years, and our race teams, partners, and NHRA officials look forward to celebrating the track in 2023 as we close out this chapter in NHRA history.. If they feel threatened, they can injure you or themselves. Featuring Arizona Drag Racing Association (ADRA), Outlaw Pontiac Racers West, Super Comp, Super Gas & Super Street! John Forces eight wins in Phoenix leads all Funny Car drivers. Rawhide Western Town & Event Center and Wild Horse Pass Check availability on hotels close to Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park Tonight Apr 26 - Apr 27 Tomorrow night Apr 27 - Apr 28 This weekend Apr 28 - Apr 30 Next weekend May 5 - May 7 Show map Filter by Popular filters Pet friendly Pool Apartment Cabin Breakfast included Price per night Guest rating Star rating Payment type Property type 81. Full-day Tours. The tracks and other facilities in the park are doomed thanks to an expansion project for Interstate 10 in the Phoenix Metro Area. This segment of I-10 is critical for Arizonas economy, as it links the states largest metropolitan areas of Phoenix and Tucson while also providing a key link for the national and international movement of freight. On a typical Friday night you can expect to see everything from a mini van to an occasional jet car testing! Of all the stops on Burr, theres really nothing like the little slot canyon at an inconspicuous turnoff 11.5 miles down from the starting point. (Photo by Susan Wong/Cronkite News). This proposal was made with the existing I-10 framework. Potential facilities under consideration include Tulsa Raceway Park and South Georgia Motorsports Park. Seeing wild horses is like taking a trip right back to the Old West, when these herds were much more common. For ET Finals information, see the "2023 NHRA SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT ET GUIDELINES" document near the bottom of this page. Removal of Dirk Lay Road crossing over I-10 and the return of the associated easement/right-of-way. If youre not familiar with the complex, it houses an amazing quarter mile NHRA sanctioned track, 1.6-mile road course, 1.25-mile road course, 1.1-mile road course, an off-road course, plus a 2.4-mile oval lake which is one of only two purpose-built boat racing lakes in the United States. In a late-night news release on Friday evening, NHRA revealed next years Arizona Nationals would be its last. The I-10 bridges over the Gila River are part of a separate ADOT project that is excluded from this study but closely coordinated with the Community. Improving interchanges and crossroads for enhanced capacity and safety, and multimodal (bike and pedestrian) crossings, as well as addressing age/condition issues. The study will also determine how construction should be implemented over time, and in segments, if funding is allocated over several years. Local news station ABC 15 ran an article after the closure was announced. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Evaluated the alternatives and options costs, right-of-way implications, engineering factors and environmental considerations. Apr 6, 2022. Take advantage of the variety of climbing available to enjoy this scenic winter climbing destination. Please don't approach the animals; view them from a distance. Learn more Its YOUR turn to get behind the wheel of our fleet of exotic cars in Phoenix, AZ. Construction would not start until the 2025 fiscal year. Anyone can participate! For more information on the I-10 Bridge Project, please click here. Instead, some may take their chance on city streets. Arizona has been an incredible supporter of the NHRA and Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park for the past four decades, and we are very grateful for this tremendous fan support, said Elizabeth Antone, Wild Horse Pass Development Authority General Manager-Interim. If youre interested in viewing more of Utahs wild horse herds, visit WildHorseTourist.com. The Arizona Department of Transportations tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Plan released on March 18 shows a blueprint to add capacity to a 26-mile stretch of I-10 leading up to the racetrack. One notable closure which also was recently leaked to the media is Memphis International Raceway. Everybody wants a GTR, a Tesla, they want to go out and they want to see what it can do," says Kyle Fritz, driver. ADOT documents reveal that a general public lane and a HOV lane will be added in each direction. Arizona has been an incredible supporter of the NHRA and Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park for the past four decades and we are very grateful for this tremendous fan support, said Elizabeth Antone, Wild Horse Pass Development Authority general manager-interim. This study is also evaluating extending the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes on I-10 from Loop 202 south to the Riggs Road interchange with median widening. The Chandler venue does not just host the NHRA, though. Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park has seen several historic and record performances on its dragstrip, including Tony Schumachers historic 330-mph run in 1999. This fund comes from the Maricopa County Transportation Excise Tax, which is a half-cent sales tax that has been in place since 2004. The construction project is slated to cost nearly $140 million. While racetracks generate revenue, for the space they take up theyre not highly profitable. Copyright 2023 Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park. Capitol Reef is breathtaking, but as you stare across the ledge you realize that some of the best scenery is only accessible by dropping in, 20, 50, sometimes 100 feet or more. This study is focused on the 26-mile section of I-10 between the Loop 202 interchange south of Phoenix to just south of the State Route (SR) 387 interchange near Casa Grande. We know this final race will be a celebration that NHRA fans are famous for.. Fan Info. The facility has hosted NHRA racing since 1985. The Final EA will provide responses to all comments received during the public review and comment period. WebLittle Wild Horse & Ding and Dang Emery, UT Among the exceptionally beautiful slot canyon hikes in the southern San Rafael area, Little Wild Horse Canyon is a classic, as well as the perfect introduction both to non-technical canyoneering for just about anyone in decent Visit Utah for spelunking and cave exploration. CHANDLER, Ariz. -- Point standings (top 10) following the 38th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, the second of 21 events in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series - READ ALSO:15 must-see places for an Arizona road trip, Arizona has been an incredible supporter of the National Hot Rod Association and Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park for the past four decades, and we are very grateful for this tremendous fan support, Elizabeth Antone, the interim general manager of the Wild Horse Pass Development Authority, said in a release on Friday. Due to record snowpack and high amounts of spring runoff, please be advised of potential flooding that could impact travel plans. Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. On Friday, NHRA officials confirmed a rumor that has been making the rounds for the last year that Wild Horse Motorsports Park in Chandler, Arizona, near Phoenix, would be closing next year. See Zion dusted in snow on a winter escape to the east side where youll likely have the whole place to yourself. While we love writing about amazing opportunities like this, we hope that none of our readers will bring harm to these beautiful horses. Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. The public comment period began on October 21 and ended December 4, 2020. WebIn the summer of 2019, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and partner agencies took the essential first step toward studying ways to increase the capacity of a 26mile section of Interstate 10 (I-10) south of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Wild Horse Motorsports Pass joins Atlanta Dragway and Houston Raceway Park as tracks NHRA has lost to non-racing development since the pandemic hit in 2020. Join us for another Go Fast Drift N Drag! This is an 8 race series. With interest from multiple NHRA member tracks within each region across the country, we are excited about the possibilities for a future NHRA national event.. If there isnt a financial incentive to establish or keep open racetracks, some people will turn to illegal street races. To find the horses, you'll drive many miles from civilization, and much of your trip will be via a dirt road. The nearby Ding and Dang Canyons are a bit more difficult, and best suited for experienced hikers. Some locals of Boulder, Utah, call this slot canyon on the Burr Trail, Singing Canyon. When you go, you know exactly why. Both would widen I-10 from two lanes to three lanes in each direction, the difference being whether this widening is accomplished in the median of I-10, or to the outside of I-10. This study is important because I-10 supports significant commercial and economic growth for the region, state and nation, and is considered a Key Commerce Corridor. They are named for their narrow width, often squeezing down to a sliver. The Wild Horse Pass Development Authority announced on Friday that the 2023 NHRA Arizona Nationals will mark the final year for the event at the venue. Make sure you read up on wild horse herds and learn all you can about them before you hit the road to get the most of your A new overpass that is planned for the widening of several miles of Interstate 10 will take the space that currently occupies part of the facility, according to a Wild Horse Pass release. To date, about $640 million has been allocated to the corridor by the State and MAG, which includes the recently approved $400 million as part of the State Budget for fiscal year 2023. Fox says it's 'very possible' he 'did some damage' in the '80s as he speculates about what contributed to his Parkinson's disease, 'Waste of time': Community college transfers derail students, 'Zombie' misinformation: 'Rape Day' hoax resurfaces on TikTok. Experience drag racing like you never have before from our luxurious suites!With amazing views from two different towers, enjoy the sites and sounds in a comfortable climate controlled suite.Located right off the starting line, you will receive VIP treatment with world class catering & personalized customer service thats perfect for entertaining clients, employees, friends and family. Racing on streets, drifting and takeovers are all illegal. "If they close this place, people will have to do that because they are not going to stop. Wildhorse Pass Motorsports Park Closing in 2023 By az57chevy March 28, 2022 in Off Topic Share az57chevy Senior Member 1k Posted March 28, 2022 Three NHRA tracks have closed since 2021. Learn more about this unforgettable attraction and plan a visit. However, the rumors of their departure had circulated long before then. Highway Construction To Close Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park After Nearly Four Decade NHRA Run March 31, 2022 Cronkite News The Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler is set to run its final NHRA event in 2023. NHRA officials say that the series will look at venues not currently on the NHRA schedule to fill the void, starting in 2024. Many were shocked when back on March 25 NHRA dropped the bomb that Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park is set to close down for good next year. If successful, the combination of state, local and federal funds will allow project construction to begin as quickly as possible without budgetary constraint delays, Note: All values above expressed in Fiscal Year 2024 dollars. Whether you are driving an all out race car or your daily driver, you can race down the same 1/4 mile track that the NHRA Pro drivers do. They dont care what these changes do to communities because they have to get paid, period. With routes ranging from approachable to challenging, Maple Canyon is one of Utahs most beloved ice-climbing destinations. Replacing the aging and narrow Gila River Bridges as a part of a separate study. Our guide to the most breathtaking Utah panoramas is only a click away. The Bureau of Land Management manages 22 herds of wild horses in Utah, but the most accessible to the public is the Onaqui herd in the West Desert. The headline read: closing of valley racetrack could result in more street racing. Yes, its the most obvious statement ever, but what is anyone doing about it? We know this final race will be a celebration that NHRA fans are famous for., We want to thank Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park and the Gila River community for their dedicated commitment to drag racing, NHRA President Glen Cromwell said. The best 7 races count toward the points total for each racer at the end of the series, and anyone who runs at least 1 race qualifies to enter the Race of Champions at the ET Finals. Utahs National Ability Center is known for changing lives through its adaptive recreation programs. Facility map. The same information was presented at each hearing. Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park also has two asphalt road courses which can be used for drifting events in addition to normal track days and races. Slot canyons are narrow gorges in soft rocks like Utahs layered sedimentary deposits. It provides even and exciting competition for the local racer, the backbone of NHRA. This year's Arizona Fall Nationals was held Feb. 25-27. Radford Racing School and the Radford Racing course will remain open after Wild Horse Pass Have you ever seen any of Utahs wild horse herds? For more Utah fun, take these 7 Utah treetop adventures. It's illegal to chase them or disturb them. The natural forces that carved slot canyons are still at work, and even light, distant rainfall can render slot canyons extremely dangerous including flash floods. The park will celebrate its 40th year of NHRA racing during next years Arizona From narrow slot canyons to grand sweeping vistas, sandstone plateaus to meandering rivers, San Rafael Country and the San Rafael Swell are home to some of the most spectacular scenery in Utah. A drag racing tradition in Chandlers Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park that dates back to the 1980s is set to come to an end. With real estate prices absolutely rocketing out of control in the Phoenix area as the city continues to grow by leaps and bounds, the Gila River Indian Community hatched a plan to raze the motorsports park and replace it with a sports and entertainment district with restaurants, retail spaces, sports facilities, parks, and an office complex. The rumor is its been sold to a non-racing party or in other words its most likely a goner. People are not going to stop," says Fritz. You can take a drive to see these majestic animals. WebWild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, Arizona has been a race fan's go-to hangout since 1983, but it was called Firebird International Raceway then. So much so, that The study process is producing a NEPA-compliant environmental report (an Environmental Assessment [EA]) and an engineering report called a Design Concept Report (DCR) that: Developed a range of alternatives and options, including the no-build alternative. Last year, the Wild Horse Pass Development Authority announced plans to develop the area with the help of Sunbelt Holdings, a real estate development company. All of the funding for this project, according to ADOTs tentative five-year plan, will come from the Regional Area Road Fund. The land will probably become the site of some luxury condos or something like that. The Wild Horse Park Development Authority says this is due to planned work on Interstate 10 near the area. After the 2023 NHRA Camping World event at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports park next winter, the facility will no longer exist. Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler has been a legal option for racers over the past four decades. Meet three National Ability Center staffers who live outdoor adventuring.
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